Joe holds nerve at Barry's late wobble (From Barry And District News)

Joe holds nerve at Barry's late wobble

BARRY 1ST XV 28 - ABERCWMBOI 20

IN the corresponding away fixture earlier in the season Barry escaped with the most fortunate of narrow victories after a bruising forward encounter.

Since then Abercwmboi have beaten league pace setters Mountain Ash in an early round of the WRU Cup.

So Barry were well aware that despite their lowly league position the visitors were more than capable of upsetting the form book.

It was the visitors who went ahead with a penalty after just five minutes, but Barry hit back with a penalty by Chris Cummings.

The Aber backs threatened and Barry had to absorb plenty of pressure.

Grantley Harris charged down a kick, Andy Griffith fed Dave Provis and the right winger ran 30 metres for a try against the run of play.

Barry were caught napping close to half time and Aber crossed for an equalising try to make it 8-8.

The all-too-familiar soul-searching team talk had the desired effect and within a few minutes of the restart, a 10-point gap had opened up.

An excellent chase by Provis saw him bring down his dithering opposite number in his 22, the ball was stolen and passed along the backs for hooker Lewis Williams to grab a try. Cummings converted.

From the restart, the Barry forwards, notably led by lock Lyndon James, stormed back upfield to put outside half Rhydian Scott in the perfect position to deliver a well executed drop goal.

Provis grabbed his second touchdown after a chase, and the game then became a stalemate with a flurry of yellow cards brandished by the official.

With 15 minutes to play Barry eased up too much and offered the visitors a lifeline, allowing them two tries and a conversion to close the gap to three points.

Showing great character Barry responded and winger Joe McCann did well to score a try in the corner to clinch another season's double.

With fifth-placed Gilfach Goch suffering a surprise home defeat against lowly Pentyrch, a three-point gap has opened up between them and Barry in fourth spot.

The Six Nations means there is no league game until Saturday, February 19, away at Nelson, but the rugby club will be open for those wishing to watch the Wales game on television.